Cathryn's heart suddenly tightened, and then her lower lip protruded in a sulky pout. She moved her head obediently. There was a deathly silence in the car. Mr. Riley was driving and had been observing the mother and daughter's expressions in the mirror. He knew his wife was very tolerant of her own affairs, but as long as it involved Cathryn's issues, she couldn't bear it.

"There had been no gush of maternal love." Mr. Riley thought in his mind. The atmosphere between the mother and ...